UN deplores violent protests in Gao, Northern Mali

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday deplored the incidents that took place during a demonstration in front of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) base in Gao town, northern Mali, two days ago.

The Secretary General is saddened by the violence that surrounded the demonstration and the reported death of at least 3 protesters and the injury of several others, according to a statement attributable to his spokesman.

The UN chief has decided to launch an inquiry to determine the facts surrounding this tragic incident, where the UN will collaborate with the Government of Mali and all parties on the ground in this effort.

Ban also presented his sincere condolences to the families of those who have died, and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured.

He reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the stabilization of Mali, and remains deeply concerned over the continued fighting in many parts of the country.

The Secretary-General reminds all parties of the need to respect their ceasefire commitments to enable the urgent resumption of peace talks in Algiers, the statement added.